NYC Zoning Handbook:
Residential Districts: R7B

The regulations of R7B are similar to those of R7A and encourage shorter buildings with higher lot coverage. The lower FAR of 3.0 typically produces a six-story apartment house that is traditional in R7B districts. Parts of Elmhurst in Queens are typical of R7B neighborhoods which are mapped throughout Queens.

A front yard with a minimum depth of five feet must be provided on narrow streets. If the front wall of an adjacent, existing building is set back from the street line between five and 15 feet, the front wall of a new building must align with that of the existing building. The maximum building height is determined by the building envelope which may not be penetrated by the building. The building envelope is controlled by the intersection of front and rear sky exposure planes that rise according to a specific ratio. The Quality Housing Program is mandatory in R7B districts.

• Schematic Illustration (6-story R7B Quality Housing Building)

• Typical R7B Development (photo)

Basic Data

R7B: General residence district

Maximum FAR: 3.0

Maximum lot coverage:

Corner lot: 80%

Interior or through-lot: 65%

Maximum front wall setback:

Wide street: 8 feet

Narrow street: 15 feet

Front yard: 5 feet minimum

Minimum lot area per DU: 227 square feet

Maximum DUs per acre: 192

Required parking: 50% of dwelling units

Quality Housing Program: Mandatory